Six Iowa students have been named winners of the Iowa Communications Network's (ICN) 2026 Be Cyber Safe! Poster Contest, celebrating youth creativity and a shared commitment to online safety.
Open to Iowa students in grades K–8, the statewide contest challenged young artists to promote smart digital habits within their schools and communities. Entries were judged on visual impact, originality, and theme adherence across three grade-level categories, with two winners chosen in each division:
- Division 1 (Grades K–2) | Theme: Be a Cyber Superhero
- Marley McLaughlin – Asbury, IA
- Reese Kass – Dubuque, IA
- Division 2 (Grades 3–5) | Theme: Smart Social Media Habits
- Ezra Lo – West Des Moines, IA
- Manvi Tiwari – Waukee, IA
- Division 3 (Grades 6–8) | Theme: AI: Real vs. Fake Online
- Ephraim Lo – West Des Moines, IA
- Eden Lang – Johnston, IA
Each of the six students leveraged their artistic talents to highlight critical cybersecurity topics, helping raise awareness about best practices for all Iowans navigating the digital world. While accepting their awards, the students shared how they first learned about the contest and the research that inspired their artwork. Whether learning not to share passwords or reading about data breaches in mail sent home, these students are staying ahead of the curve by relying on their parents and teachers to learn how to Be Cyber Safe.
"We had an amazing turnout for our contest and a great opportunity to connect with Iowa's youth. Congratulations to these remarkable student winners of the Be Cyber Safe! Poster Contest," said Ryan Mulhall, Executive Director of the ICN. "Their creative designs remind us all of the importance of staying vigilant and responsible online."
ICN teamed up with Ankeny-based Tier 3 Technology Solutions for this fun Cybersecurity Poster Contest, bringing cyber safety awareness into the spotlight. Winners took home an exciting prize package featuring a BEANDGE STEM kit, a $20 Visa eGift card, coloring supplies, and two cybersecurity books, Fortinet "Cyber Safe" and "Cyber Snackz: Adventures in Cybersecurity". The package also included special gifts courtesy of the State Historical Society of Iowa and the Iowa State Fair.
Everyone at the ICN and Tier 3 Technology Solutions would like to thank all the students who entered our first competition. We had an incredible turnout, and we enjoy seeing the next generation learn how to Be Cyber Safe!
The winning students and the posters can be viewed below.
2026 Be Cyber Safe Winning Posters
Division 1: Marley McLaughlin, Asbury, IA
Division 1: Reese Kass, Dubuque, IA
Division 2: Ezra Lo, West Des Moines, IA
Division 2: Manvi Tiwari, Waukee, IA
Division 3: Ephraim Lo, West Des Moines, IA
Division 3: Eden Lang, Johnston, IA
Individual Winner Photos
The winning posters with ICN's Be Cyber Safe! theme can be downloaded below.